My wife and I used to live in Japan when we were younger and it will always have a special place in our hearts. Last year we returned to Japan for a 3 week holiday with our two young children. It had been 12 years since we left the country for a new life in NZ and there was a lot of food that we were looking to reacquaint ourselves with. In Japan there is an incredible range of food and we have picked 5 of our street food favourites.

BENTO

Bento Boxes are a travelers best friend - a perfect companion for any journey. Typically you can pick one up from any supermarket, train station or convenience store and the varieties of Bento are virtually endless. I love the presentation of them - small compartments each filled with tasty offerings. This is what airline food should be, minus the unnecessary plastic that you can see.

TAKOYAKI (Octupus Balls)

Takoyaki are little round balls, made of a wheat flour batter and commonly filled with minced octopus, scraps of tempura, green onions, and pickled ginger. It is usually served with a sauce that is similar to Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise.

OKONOMIYAKI (Savoury Pancake)

This is the Kyoto Nishiki Market version of the popular Japanese savoury pancake. It's typically made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, meat/ protein and topped with a variety of condiments. Okomiyaki translates as 'grilled as you like it'

YAKITORI

Grilled meat, usually Chicken cooked over charcoal. There are many varieties from 'Sasami' breast meat to 'Shiro', intestines. I have never tried the latter I should add and yes, there are vegetarian versions.

GYOZA (Japanese Dumplings)

'Yaki Gyoza' are pictured below and this translates as pan fried dumplings. These are typically filled with ground meat and vegetables and wrapped in a thin dough. The most common filling consists of ground pork, nira chives, green onion, cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. Check out Akemi's Gyoza in Auckland for their range of Meat, Fish and Vegan dumplings